Travel seat engaging system

ABSTRACT

A travel seat locking system including a travel seat comprising a front seating surface, a back surface, left and right sides, and left and right stroller securing members respectively positioned on the left and right sides of the travel seat. A stroller is provided comprising a frame having at least one front leg, at least one rear leg, a passenger seating area, and a pair of left and right seat securing members connected to the frame for releasable engagement with a respective one of the left and right stroller securing members of the travel seat. At least one of the travel seat or stroller comprising an actuator to release the engagement between the left and right stroller securing members of the travel seat and the left and right seat securing members of the stroller.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/765,419, filed Feb. 12, 2013, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/289,018, filed Nov. 4, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No.8,393,679, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/573,484, filed Oct. 5, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,056,975, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/108,293, filed Apr.18, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,597,396, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/567,307 filed on Apr. 30, 2004,all of which are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to infant travel systems whichinclude an infant travel seat that can be mounted to a stationary ormobile base. More particularly, the present invention relates to arestraint system for securing a base component of the infant travelsystem to a vehicle seat, a leveling system for the base, a multi-pointlocking system to secure an infant travel seat to a complimentary base,and a travel seat carrying handle assembly.

BACKGROUND

Infant travel systems comprising an infant travel seat and complimentarybase assembly are well-known in the art. In many infant travel systems,the engaging mechanisms between the infant travel seat and the base isdifficult to operate or does not form a secure fit. Also, the locationof the engagement between the seat and base in prior art systems is notoptimally positioned to account for the various effects of front andrear end collisions. Therefore, there is a need for a more user friendlysystem for engaging and releasing the infant travel seat to and from thebase. There is also a need for a more secure and well-balancedengagement between the engaging mechanism on the infant travel seat andthe base.

In many infant travel systems, it is often difficult for a user tooperate a self-contained restraint system carried by the base assemblyto form a secure connection between the restraint system and an anchormounted within the vehicle. For example, a user may be required toaccess the restraint system from only one side of the base assembly, ormay have to be put in an awkward position within the vehicle to operatethe restraint system. In addition, securing straps of the restraintsystem clutter the base assembly and can interfere with the engagementbetween an infant travel seat and the base assembly causing a potentialsafety hazard. Therefore, there is a need for a more user friendlyself-contained base assembly restraint system to form a tight connectionbetween the base and anchor mounted in a vehicle. In addition, there isa need for a base assembly restraint system having the securing strapsconcealed or displaced from interfering with the attachment of an infanttravel seat to the base assembly.

In many infant travel systems, a leveling system is typically located oneither the base or seat. When the indicator is positioned on the seat,the seat is required to be mounted to the base for a user to read thelevel. If the base needs to be adjusted, the seat typically has to bedisengaged from the base, which can be frustrating for a user. When thelevel is located on the base, it is often concealed by the seat or canonly be read from one side of the base. Finally, prior art levelingsystems, typically in the form of a pendulum with an indicator, can beconfusing for a user to read and are not user friendly. Therefore, thereis a need for an improved and more user friendly leveling system to belocated on the base assembly.

Adjustable carrying handles for infant travel seats are well known. Inmany infant travel seats, the position of the carrying handle can breakfree when minimum force is applied. This is because there is typicallyonly a singular locking engagement between the handle and seat or theadjustable locking engagement between the handle and seat isperpendicular to the radial rotation of the handle. Therefore, there isa need for an adjustable handle locking mechanism having an improvedengagement between the handle and seat.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present invention is directed to an infant travel seatbase. The base includes a frame dimensioned to rest upon a vehicle seat,defines front and rear portions, and a center line. An adjustmentassembly is coupled to the frame and includes a locking element. Theadjustment assembly is positioned at a selected one of the front andrear portions of the frame. The base further includes a tether having afree end which is releasably secured in the locking element of theadjustment assembly, and at least one securing end adapted to be securedto an anchor mounted within the vehicle so that movement of the tetherthrough the locking element adjusts the position of the securing endwith respect to the frame.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a restraintsystem for an infant travel seat base. The restraint system includes aninfant travel seat base dimensioned to rest upon a vehicle seat. Thebase defines front and rear portions, upper and lower planes, and acenter line. At least one adjustment assembly is coupled to the base andincludes a locking element. The adjustment assembly is positioned at aselected one of the front and rear portions of the base. The restraintsystem further includes at least one tether having a central portionreleasably secured in the locking element, and two end portions adaptedto be secured to an anchor mounted within the vehicle so that movementof the tether through the locking element adjusts the position of theend portions with respect to the base.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed toward a base forsupporting an infant travel seat including a frame and at least oneliquid bubble level positioned within the frame. The frame includes afront end, a rear end, two opposed sides, an upper surface that receivesan infant travel seat, and a lower surface configured to rest upon avehicle seat.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed toward an infanttravel seat. The infant travel seat includes a shell having a seatingportion and two opposing side hubs. Each hub has a central axis, and atleast one of the hubs has a plurality of circumferential projectionsextending toward the center of the hub and positioned radial to thecentral axis. The infant travel seat further includes a handle rotatablyconnected to the frame. The handle includes two arms, each arm having ahub receiving portion. The hub receiving portion of each arm is adaptedto be secured to one of the hubs of the shell. The infant travel seatfurther includes at least one locking member connected to the handle,wherein the locking member has at least one engaging portion releasablyengageable with at least one of the plurality of circumferentialprojections. The locking member is biased by a handle actuator disposedon the handle to form a radial engagement with at least one of thecircumferential projections. The handle actuator is adapted to disengagethe radial engagement of the locking member with the at least onecircumferential projection by displacing the locking member sufficientlyfrom the plurality of circumferential projections to allow the lockingmember to rotate on a radial axis with respect to the central axis andadjust the position of the radial engagement of the locking member withat least one the plurality of circumferential projections.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed toward an infanttravel system. The infant travel system includes a base assembly and aninfant travel seat. The base assembly includes front and rear ends andtwo opposed sides that define a generally rectangular cuboid havingupper and lower surfaces. The lower surface is configured to rest upon avehicle seat, and the upper surface is configured to receive acomplimentary infant travel seat. The base assembly further includesopposed securing latches positioned at one end of the base for securingan infant travel seat. The infant travel seat includes a shell having ahead end, a foot end, and opposing sides defining a seat. The seat hasan interior and exterior. The shell further defines opposed receptaclespositioned at the foot end of the seat; the opposed receptacles areconfigured to receive the opposed securing latches of the base. Anactuating assembly is located on the interior of the seat to control theengagement between the opposed receptacles of the seat and the opposedsecuring latches of the base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofpreferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood whenread in conjunction with the appended drawings. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an infant travel seat and base assemblyaccording to the invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the infant travel seat of FIG. 1 in thedirection of arrow A in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the base assembly in the direction of the arrowB in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an elevational view of the base assembly in the direction ofarrow C in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an elevational view of the base assembly in the direction ofarrow D in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a vehicle belt lockoff clip of thebase assembly along the line 6-6 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is an internal view of the base assembly of FIG. 2 with the upperand rear base covers removed.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the base, taken along the line 8-8of FIG. 2 that illustrates repositioning of the foot in phantom.

FIG. 9 is a partial view of one of the sides of the base assemblyshowing a bubble level exploded from the base assembly.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the bubble level taken along theline 10-10 in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of the tether assembly of FIG.8 with the rear base cover and tether adjustment tab exploded from thebase assembly.

FIG. 12 illustrates the orientation of engagement between the infanttravel seat and base assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 illustrates the orientation of engagement between the infanttravel seat and base assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 14 illustrates the infant travel seat engaged to the base assembly.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the infant travel seat shell with anactuator assembly and carrying handle according to the invention.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the infant travel seat actuatorassembly.

FIG. 17 is a partial view of the infant travel seat shell and actuatorassembly showing the area of connection between one of the side flippersand a leg end of the actuator assembly when the actuator assembly is ina resting state.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the infant travel seat shell andactuator assembly showing the area of connection between one of the sideflippers and a leg end of the actuator assembly when the actuatorassembly is in the resting state taken along line 18-18 of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a partial view of the infant travel seat shell and actuatorassembly showing the area of connection between one of the side flippersand a leg end of the actuator assembly when the actuator assembly is inan activated state.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the infant travel seat shell andactuator assembly showing the area of connection between one of the sideflippers and a leg end of the actuator assembly when the actuatorassembly is in the activated state taken along line 20-20 of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a partial cross-sectional view of an attachment mechanism atthe upper rear end of the base assembly shown attached to acorresponding receiving mechanism on the infant travel seat.

FIG. 22 is an exploded view of a first embodiment of the handleattachment assembly and canopy ring for a canopy frame.

FIG. 23 is an interior view of one element of the carrying handle ofFIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is an interior view of a first embodiment of the handleattachment of the infant travel seat carrying handle as assembled toillustrate activation of the handle actuator.

FIGS. 25, 27, and 28 are cross-sectional views illustrating a firstembodiment of the handle attachment assembly and locking member invarious secured engagement positions.

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a first embodiment of thehandle attachment assembly and locking member in a disengaged position.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the handle actuator as shown in FIG. 23as at E.

FIG. 30 illustrates the orientation of the locking mechanism taken alongline 30-30 of FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 is a fragmentary side view of a canopy attachment mechanism forthe infant travel seat.

FIG. 32 is a front view of a harness chest clip usable with the infanttravel seat shown in an engaged position.

FIG. 33 is a front view of the harness chest clip of FIG. 32 shown in anopened condition.

FIG. 34 is a plan view in the direction of the line 34 in FIG. 32.

FIG. 35 is an exploded fragment of a child restraint harness adjustmentassembly.

FIGS. 36, 37, 39, and 40 illustrate a second embodiment of the handleattachment assembly and locking member of the infant travel seatcarrying handle in various engagement positions.

FIG. 38 illustrates a second embodiment of the handle attachmentassembly and locking member of the infant travel seat carrying handle ina disengaged position.

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the infant travel seat andcomplimentary stroller engagement assemblies.

FIG. 42 is a partial cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of thebase assembly restraint system with the rear base cover exploded fromthe base assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenienceonly and is not limiting. The words “right,” “left,” “top,” “bottom,”“side,” “front,” and “rear” designate positions in the drawings to whichreference is made. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer todirections toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center ofthe infant travel system and designated parts thereof.

With reference to FIGS. 1-42, wherein like numerals indicate likeelements throughout, preferred embodiments of the invention will bedescribed below.

FIGS. 1-5 show a preferred embodiment of the infant travel seat 10 andbase assembly 12 of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the baseassembly preferably includes a frame 14 comprised of an upper base cover16, a lower base cover 18, and a rear base cover 20. The base assemblyhas a front end 13 and a rear end 15. The upper base cover 16 preferablyhas a curved platform 22 positioned between opposing side channels 24,26 to receive a complimentary infant travel seat 10. The front end 23 ofthe curved platform 22 forms a point of highest reference with respectof the curved platform 22. A pair of angled guiding extensions 28, 30project outwardly from the curved platform 22 into the opposed sidechannels 24, 26 at the front end 13 of the base assembly to assistmounting of a complimentary infant travel seat 10 having mating grooveson the base assembly 12. The lower base cover 18 is generally horizontalto rest on a vehicle seat 32. A base storage compartment 31 can beformed between the curved platform 22 and the lower base cover 18, andcan be enclosed by a base storage door 33.

The base assembly 12 also includes a self-contained restraint system 34positioned at the rear end 15 of the base assembly 12 to secure the baseassembly 12 to a vehicle having an anchor 36 mounted within a vehicle inproximity to the vehicle seat 32. Referring to FIG. 3, a firstembodiment of the restraint system 34 includes an adjustment assembly 38coupled to the rear base cover 20 of the frame 14. An upper surface 37of the rear base cover 20 preferably includes an aperture 39 at theupper surface to receive the adjustment assembly 38 within the frame 14at the center of the frame 14. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 11, theadjustment assembly 38 is preferably comprised of an adjustment tab 40and locking assembly 42. With reference to FIG. 11, the locking assemblycan be an A-frame type lock such as the A38298 Adjuster by Indiana Millsand Manufacturing, Inc; however, any suitable locking assembly can beused. The locking assembly 42 preferably includes an A-frame 44 havingfirst and second ends 46, 48. The A-frame member 44 is pivotally securedto a housing 50 by a fastener 52 which can be a screw, pin, or anyacceptable fastening means. The A-frame member 44 is secured to thehousing 50 such as to limit the rotation of the A-frame member 44 aboutthe fastener 52. The housing 46 is preferably is secured to the frame14.

The adjustment tab 40 overlays the locking assembly 42 and is pivotallysecured to the rear base cover 20 by fastener 53, which can be a screw,pin, or any acceptable fastening means. The adjustment tab 40 issubstantially L-shaped and has first and second ends 54, 56. The firstend 54 of the adjustment tab 40 is preferably exposed through theaperture 39 of the rear base cover 20 and has a lip 58 to allow a userto grasp and pull the adjustment tab 40 in a direction toward the frontend 13 of base assembly 12. The second end 56 of the adjustment tab 40is received vertically within the frame 14 and forms a substantiallyparallel plane of symmetry to the plane of the second end 48 of theA-frame member 48.

The second end 56 of the adjustment tab also includes a hook 60 to whicha spring 62 is attached to connect the second end 56 of the biasingmember 50 to the frame 14. The spring limits the rotation of theadjustment tab 40 about the fastener 53 and biases the adjustment tab 40in a manner such as to keep the first end 54 of the adjustment tab 40 ina generally planar orientation with respect to the upper surface 37 ofthe rear base cover 14. In a resting state, the first end 46 of theA-frame member 44 pivotally abuts the housing 50.

Still with reference to FIG. 11, when a force is exerted on lip 58 ofthe first end 54 to pull the lip 58 upward and toward the front end 13of the base assembly 12 (see FIG. 1), the second end 56 of theadjustment tab 40 pivots in a direction toward the rear end 15 of thebase assembly 12 thereby exerting a force on the second end 48 of theA-frame member 44 causing the second end 48 of the A-frame member 44 topivot toward the rear end 15 of the base assembly 12. When the secondend 48 of the A-frame member 44 pivots toward the rear end 15 of thebase assembly 12, the first end 46 of the A-frame member 44 pivots awayfrom the housing 50 creating a gap between the first end 46 of theA-frame member 44 and the housing 50.

The restraint system 34 of the first embodiment further includes atether 64, preferably in the form of a Y-shaped strap 66 havingdivergent ends 68, 70 and a central leg end 72. Alternatively, thetether 64 may be a simple two ended strap. The tether 64 is preferablymade of a webbing material and preferably has a width between 1-1½inches. The central leg end 72 of the Y-shaped strap 66 has an exposedportion 74 and an interior portion 76 that is received into the interiorof the frame 14. The interior portion 76 of the central leg end 72 isconnected to the divergent ends 68, 70 of the Y-shaped strap memberwithin the interior of the frame 14. Working from the interior of theframe to the exterior, the interior portion 76 of the central leg end 72passes between the first end 46 of the A-frame member 44 and the housing50 of the locking assembly 42, thereby being sandwiched between thefirst end 46 of the A-frame member 44 and the housing 50 of the lockingassembly 42 when the adjustment assembly 38 is in the resting state. Theinterior portion 76 of the central leg end 72 continues upwardly passingthrough tab slot 78 on the first end 54 of the adjustment tab 40. Theexposed portion 74 of the central leg 72 then extends out of the frame14. The exposed portion of the central leg 72 can be tucked into apocket 75 on the rear base cover 20 (see FIG. 3). Similarly, workingfrom the interior of the frame 14 to the exterior, each divergent end68, 70 of the Y-shaped strap respectively exits the interior of theframe 14 preferably through side slots 80, 82 (FIG. 3) formed betweenthe upper base cover 16 and the rear base cover 20.

Each of the divergent ends preferably have a latch securing assembly,which can be a left hand or right hand Mini-Connector, (models A38214AB,and A38213AB) made by Indiana Mills and Manufacturing, Inc. However, anysimilar securing assembly can be used. Each of the latch securingassemblies 84, 86 are secured to one or more anchors 36 mounted within avehicle, preferably to the chassis, in proximity to a vehicle seat 32(FIG. 1).

When the restraint system 34 of the first embodiment is in use, eachlatch securing assembly 84 and 86 is secured to a vehicle anchor 36. Thelatch securing assemblies can be stored in two opposed cavities 88, 90formed at the rear end 15 of the frame from connection of the rear basecover 20 to the upper base cover 16 (see FIG. 1, 4, 5) and removed whendesired to attach to the vehicle. In order to extend the divergent ends68, 70 of the Y-shaped strap member 66, a user pulls on the respectivedivergent end 68, 70 while pulling upward on the lip 58 of the first end54 of the adjustment tab 40. As described in detail above, pullingupwardly on the lip 58 of the first end 54 of the adjustment tab 40creates a gap between the first end 46 of the A-frame member 44 and theinterior portion 76 of the central leg end 72 of the Y-shaped strap 66to allow the interior portion 76 of the central leg end 72 of theY-shaped strap 66 to move downwardly through the adjustment assembly 38,thereby allowing a greater length of the divergent ends 68, 70 to passthrough the side slots 80, 82 and be exposed from the interior of theframe 14.

Once the latch securing assembly 84 and 86 are secured to a vehicleanchor(s) 36, the exposed portion 74 of the central leg 72 of theY-shaped strap 66 is used to adjust the position of the frame 14 withrespect to a vehicle seat back 87. Pulling the exposed portion 74 of thecentral leg 72 of the Y-shaped strap 66 upwardly causes the interiorportion 76 of the central leg end 72 of the Y-shaped strap to moveupwardly through the adjustment assembly 38, thereby creating a greaterlength of the exposed portion 74 of the central leg end 72 anddecreasing the exposed length of both of the divergent ends 68, 70 ofthe Y-shaped strap 66. It should be noted that the first end 46 of theA-frame member 44 of the locking assembly 42 is adapted to allow theinterior portion 76 of the central leg end 72 of the Y-shaped strap 66to move upwardly without requiring a user to pull up on the lip 58 ofthe first end 54 of the adjustment tab 40.

FIG. 42 depicts a second embodiment of a self-contained restraint system91 of the base assembly 12 of the present invention preferablycomprising at least one ratcheting retractor assembly 92 secured withinthe interior of the frame 14. The ratcheting retractor assembly 92preferably comprises a frame 93 having parallel side walls 94, 95. Abias member or paw 96 is preferably pivotally coupled to the frame 93between side walls 94 and 95. A spool 97 is rotatably mounted betweenside walls 94, 95. A pair of ratchet wheels 98, 99, each having aplurality of circumferential teeth 100, 101, are coupled to and rotatewith spool 97.

A spring (not shown) is connected to the spool 97 and frame 93 urges thespool 97 to rotate in a slack-reducing or retracting direction towithdraw a tether 102. The tether 102 may but need not be fixedlyattached or coupled to the spool 97. The spool 97 is typically urged tomove in the retracting direction to retract or withdraw the tether 102onto the spool 97 in order to reduce the slack in the tether 102.However, the spool 97 is yieldable to allow the tether 102 to be pulledaway from the frame 93 in a direction opposite the slack-reducing orretracting direction.

Bias member 96 is coupled to frame 93 such as to be urged against theratchet wheels 98, 99 in order to engage a pair of opposed teeth 100,101. The bias member 96 and ratchet wheels 98, 99 operate to preventrotation of the spool 97 in a direction opposite the slack-reducing orretracting direction. Bias member 96 can be connected to a manualactuator to allow a user to disengage the contact between the biasmember 96 and the teeth 100, 101 of the ratchet wheels 98, 99 to allow auser to pull the tether 102 away from the frame 93 in a directionopposite the slack-reducing or retracting direction.

As shown in FIG. 42, the frame 93 is adapted to be mounted within theinterior of the frame 14 of base assembly 12. The tether 102 preferablyhas a first 103 and second end 104 and a central portion 105. Thecentral portion 105 of the tether 102 is received within the interior ofthe frame 14 and is wrapped around spool 97 when the tether 102 isretracted. The tether 102 from the interior to the exterior of the frame14 through side slots 80, 82 formed between the upper base cover 16 andthe rear base cover 20 and are preferably coupled to a latchingmechanism in a similar manner as the divergent ends 68, 70 of theY-shaped strap member 66 discussed above with respect to the firstembodiment of the restraint system 34.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 5, and 6, the base 12 can also be secured to avehicle having a shoulder harness 120 by one of two opposing beltlockoff members 122, 124. As illustrated, the upper base 16 cover has apair of opposed arm extensions 126, 128 connected to the rear base cover20. The opposed arm extensions 126, 128 and rear base cover 20 defineopposed apertures 130, 132 in the frame 14 at the rear end 15 of theframe 14. The belt lockoff members 122, 124 are each preferablypositioned beneath one of the opposed arm extensions 126, 128 of theupper base cover 16 and are secured thereto. FIGS. 5 and 6 illustratethe interaction between one of the belt lockoff member 124 and one ofthe opposed arm extensions 128 for exemplary purposes, however, it ispreferred that both belt lockoff members and arm extensions areidentical. Each of the opposed arm extensions 126, 128 includes aninterior and an exterior side 134, 136 forming a cavity 135therebetween. Between the interior and exterior sides 134, 136 andextending through the cavity 135 is a central projection 138 thatextends a portion of the length of each of the opposed arm extensions126, 128. Referring to FIG. 6, each belt lockoff member has an upperrough surface 140, and lower smooth surface 12. The upper rough surface140 preferably has projecting teeth 144, 146 that extend along a portionof the length of the belt lockoff members 122, 124 parallel to thecentral projection 122 of the opposed arm extensions 126, 128. As shownin FIG. 6, the teeth 144, 146 of the belt lockoff members 122, 124partially extend into the cavity 135 of the opposed arm extensions 126,128 and the central projection of the opposed arm extensions extendsbetween a groove 148 formed between the teeth 144, 146 of the beltlockoff members 122, 124.

When the base 12 is secured to a vehicle using the vehicle's safetystrap having a shoulder harness 120, one of the opposing belt lockoffmembers 122, 124 can be used to secure the shoulder harness 120 to thebase assembly 12 in order to prevent the shoulder harness 120 fromloosening the fit between the base assembly 12 and the vehicle's safetystrap. The shoulder harness 120 is abutted by the teeth 144, 146 of thebelt lockoff member 122, 124 and the interior and exterior sides 134,136 and central projection of the arm extension 126, 128 to form a snugfit to prevent the shoulder harness 120 from moving once engaged.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, 9, and 10, at least one liquid bubble level 160,162, is located within the frame 14. A portion of the liquid bubblelevel 160, 162 is preferably received within the frame 14 and positionedin one of two opposed side portions 164, 166 of the upper base cover 16at the front end 13 of the frame 14. However, the liquid bubble levelcould be positioned at any suitable location on the frame. Because thebase assembly 12, can be installed in either a left or right side of avehicle or because a user may access one side of the vehicle when usingthe base assembly 12, liquid bubble levels 160, 162 are preferablylocated on the opposed side portions 164, 166 of the upper base cover 16for the convenience of the user. The liquid bubble levels 160, 162 arepreferably curvilinearly shaped to match the curvilinear shape of therespective opposed side portions 164, 166.

Referring to FIGS. 1-5, 7, and 8, a height adjusting assembly 170 of thebase 12 is shown. The height adjustment assembly 70 preferably includesan adjustable foot 172 working in cooperation with an adjustmentmechanism 174 to raise and lower the adjustable foot 172. The adjustmentmechanism 174 includes at least one side recline button, and preferablytwo opposed side recline buttons 176, 178 received within opposing sideapertures 180, 182 on the opposing side portions 164, 166 of the upperbase cover 16. The opposed side recline buttons 176, 178 have an upperportion 184, 186 and a lower portion 188, 190. The upper portion 184,186 of each side recline button 176, 178 is exposed at the upper side ofthe opposed side portions 164, 166 of the upper base cover 16 for userinterface. The lower portion 188, 190 of each side recline button 176,178 extends into the interior of the frame 14. As shown in FIGS. 7 and8, the lower side 188, 190 of each opposing side recline button 176, 178preferably abuts recline bar 192. Recline brackets 194, 196 extend fromthe recline bar 192 to recline piston rod 198, having first and secondends 197, 199. Springs 200, 202 extend along a portion of each reclinebracket 194, 196 to keep each end 197, 199 of the recline piston rod 198biased against one of a plurality of opposed angled receiving slots 204,205 extending from an angled portion 206 of the adjustable foot 172.

Still with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the adjustable foot 172 includesan angled portion 206 having a plurality of opposed angled receivingslots 204, 205 and a horizontal portion 208 adapted to rest upon avehicle seat 32 in the same plane as the lower base cover 18. Theadjustable foot 172 is pivotally secured to the upper base cover 16 ofthe frame 14 at a connection end 210 of the foot opposite the angledportion 206. A U-shaped spring 212 is preferably attached to theconnection end 210 of the adjustable foot 172 to urge against the upperbase cover 16 to bias adjustable foot 172 downwardly.

When at least one of the opposed side recline buttons 176, 178 of theadjustment mechanism 174 are depressed by a user, the recline bar 192 isurged toward the front end 13 of the frame 14, thereby pulling reclinebrackets 194, 196 and recline piston rod 198 toward the front end 13 ofthe frame 14. When piston rod 198 is pulled toward the front end 13 ofthe frame 14, each end 197, 199 of the recline piston rod 198 issufficiently displaced from the opposed angled receiving slots 204, 205so as to allow the adjustable foot to pivot in a manner to adjust anangle of the base 12 with respect to the vehicle seat 32. When the footis re-positioned at a desired angle, the user can release the at leastone opposed side recline button 176, 178 causing the each end 197, 198of the recline piston rod 198 to reengage with one of the plurality ofopposed angled receiving slots 204, 205 extending from an angled portion206 of the adjustable foot 172. The spacing and number of plurality ofopposed angled receiving slots 204, 205 is predetermined. At least oneof the opposed liquid bubble levels 160, 162 can be used to assist auser in determining a recline position.

The angled portion 206 of the adjustable foot 172 has a substantiallyvertical orientation with the rear facing portion 17 of the upper basecover 16 and rear facing portion 21 of the rear base cover 20 due to theangled nature of the angled portion 206 and receiving slots 204, 205.The vertical orientation of the base assembly 12 is substantiallyparallel to the vertical inclination of most vehicle seat backs 87. Theadjustable foot 172 can be used to adjust the height of the top of therear base cover 20 to be approximately from 7 to 10 inches from thebottom of the adjustable foot 172. The vertical nature of the rear end15 of the base assembly 12 along with the range of height (approximately7-10 inches) and width of the base assembly 12 (approximately 14 inches)all cooperate to resist the flipping effect associated with infant carseats in rear end collisions. These height and width measurements areused for exemplary purposes, and the height and width of the rear end 15of the base assembly may vary.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 12-21, and infant travel seat 10 used inconjunction with the base assembly 12 is shown. FIGS. 2 and 12-14 showthe positional arrangement of the base assembly 12 and infant travelseat 12 is shown. The frame 14 of the base assembly 14 includes a curvedplatform 22 positioned between opposing side channels 24, 26. Two angledguide extensions 28, 30 extend from the curved platform 22 at the rearend 15 of the frame 12. The angled guide extensions 28, 30 eachpreferably have a curved surface 220, 222 facing toward end 15 of theframe 14, an angled surface 224, 226, and a vertical surface 228, 230.In addition, base cover 16 of the frame 14 further includes two opposedrear guide extensions 232, 234.

With reference to FIG. 15, the infant travel seat 10 includes a shell235 having an interior side 236 an exterior side 238, a head end 240 anda foot end 242. The exterior side 238 of the shell 235 preferablyincludes a pair of opposed rails 256, 258 and a pair of opposed grooves244, 246 to mate with the angled guiding extensions 28, 30 of the baseassembly 12, and a pair of opposed grooves 248, 250 at the foot end 42to mate with the rear guide extensions of the base assembly 12. Asillustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, each of the opposed grooves 244, 246(only one being shown) have an arcuate surface 252 and a generallystraight, but angled, surface 254. The seat 10 can be mounted on thebase assembly 12 by contacting the curved surface 252 of the opposedgrooves 244, 246 with the curved surface 220, 222 of the angled guidingextensions 28, 30 of the base assembly 12 and pushing the seat 10 towardend 15 of the base assembly 12 (FIG. 12), or by contacting the angledsurface 254 of the opposed side grooves 244, 246 of the seat 10 with theangled surface 224, 226 of the angled guiding extensions 28, 30 of thebase 12 and pushing the seat 10 in a direction toward end 13 of the baseassembly 12 (FIG. 13). When the seat 10 is mounted to the base assembly12, the opposed rails 256, 258 of the seat 10 are received within therespective opposed side channel 24, 26 of the base assembly 12 (FIG. 14)and the seat 10 rests upon platform 22 of the base assembly 12 (FIG.14).

Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, 14-21, the infant travel seat 10 is preferablysecured to the base assembly 12 at four engaging points. The opposedside portions 164, 166 of the upper base cover 16 each have an opposedside recess 260, 262 facing a respective one of the opposed sidechannels 24, 26. In addition, the base assembly 12 includes a pair ofpivotable securing latches 264, 266, which can be hooks or any othersuitable securing device, positioned at the rear end 15 of the base 12,and preferably extending through a pair of apertures 272, 274 extendingthrough the rear base cover 16. Hooks 264, 266 are preferably positionedso a head 268, 270 of the hook 264, 266 faces the rear end 15 of thebase 12 (FIG. 7).

The shell 235 of the seat 10 defines opposed side apertures 276, 278extending through a side portion 280, 282 of the shell 235. The shellfurther defines opposed receptacles 284, 286 (FIG. 2) extending throughthe foot end 242 of the shell 235. The head end 240 of the shell 235further defines an aperture 288 for receiving a spring-biased handle 290of an actuator assembly 292 (FIGS. 2, 15). The actuator assembly 292(FIG. 16) is positioned on the interior side 236 of the shell 235 andthe handle 290 of the actuator assembly 292 is accessible throughaperture 288. The actuator assembly 292 preferably has two arms 294, 296extending from the handle 292 down the sides of the interior 236 of theshell 235. The arms preferably have angled slots 298, 300 to receivepins 302, 304 from spring-biased side mounting assemblies 306, 308,respectively. Side mounting assemblies 306, 308 include retractablesecuring projections 310, 312, such as in the form of a flipper. Theretractable securing projections 301, 312 extend from the interior ofthe shell 235 into side apertures 276, 278. As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18,in a resting state, the spring biased side mounting assemblies 306, 308bias the retractable securing projections 310, 312 to extend throughside apertures 276, 278. The retractable securing projections 310, 312are adapted to form a complimentary secured engagement with the opposedside recess 260, 262 of the frame 14 of the base assembly 12 when theseat 10 is mounted on the base assembly 12.

Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, when the spring-biased handle 290 of theactuator assembly 292 is pulled upwardly, pins 302, 304 of thespring-biased side mounting assemblies 306, 308 slide toward the centerof the shell 235 along angled slots 298, 300 causing retractablesecuring projections 310, 312 to retract toward the interior of theshell 235, thus releasing the secured engagement between the retractablesecuring projections 310, 312 and the opposed side recess 260, 262 ofthe frame 14 of the base assembly 12.

Referring to FIGS. 15, 16, and 21, and FIG. 16 in particular, the arms294, 296 of the actuator assembly 292 are each preferably connected to acable 314, 316, having first 318, 320 and second 322, 324 ends. Thefirst end 318, 320 of each cable 314, 316 being connected to arms 294,296, and the second end 322, 324 of each cable 314, 316 being connectedto biasing members 326, 328, respectively. The biasing members 326, 328are positioned at and received within the opposed receptacles 284, 286of the shell 235, respectively. Each biasing members 326, 328 includes afirst end 330, 332 and second end 334, 336 end. The first ends 330, 332of the biasing members 326, 328 are pivotally connected to the shell335, and the second ends 334, 336 of the biasing members 326, 328 arecoupled to cables 314, 316 of actuator assembly 292. The biasing members326, 328 are biased toward the foot end 242 of the shell 235 in aresting state. The opposed receptacles 284, 286 of the shell 235 areconfigured to receive the opposed securing latches or hooks 264, 266 ofthe base assembly 12 when the seat 10 is mounted on the base assembly12. The engagement of the securing latches or hooks 264, 266 of the baseassembly 12 to the receptacles 284, 286 of the seat 10 prevents the seat10 from rotating or moving upwardly.

Referring to FIG. 21, when the spring-biased handle 290 of the actuatorassembly 292 is pulled upwardly, biasing members 326, 328 are pivotedtoward the head end 240 of the shell 235 forcing the securing latches orhooks 264, 266 of the base assembly 12 out of receptacles 284, 286, thusreleasing the engagement between the securing latches or hooks 264, 266of the base assembly 12 and the receptacles 284, 286 of the seat 10.

The retractable securing projections 310, 312 of the infant travel seat10 are adapted to be mounted to a stroller 338 having opposedcomplimentary receiving slots 339 (only one being shown). A lip 340 onthe exterior of the shell 235 proximate to the head end 240 of the shell235 is adapted to rest on tray 342 of the stroller 338 (see FIG. 41).

Referring to FIG. 32-35, the seat preferably has an infant restraintharness 350, in phantom, made of a webbing material. The vehiclerestraint harness is preferably a Y-shaped strap having divergent ends352, 354 and a central leg end 356. As shown in FIGS. 32-34, a lockingmechanism 358 is secured to each of the divergent ends 352, 354 of theY-shaped strap. The locking mechanism 358 has male and female connectors360, 362. The female connector 362 has front and back sides 364, 366defining a groove 368. The front side 364 of the female connector 362further defines an aperture 370. The male connector 360 has front andback sides 272, 274 and a receiving end 276, the receiving end 276adapted to be received within the groove 368 of the female connector362. The front side 272 of the male connector 360 preferable includes aflexible button 378 receivable within the aperture 370 of the femaleconnector 362. When end 376 of the male connector 360 is inserted withinthe groove 368 of the female connector 362, the flexible button 378 ofthe male connector 360 is received by the aperture 370 of the femaleconnector 362. To disengage, a user depresses the flexible button 378.

Referring to FIG. 35, the seat 10 further includes a harness adjustingassembly 380. The harness adjusting assembly 380 comprises a lockingassembly 382 and an adjusting tab 384. The adjustment assembly 380operates in a similar fashion to the base adjustment assembly 38,described above and incorporated by reference, and is not repeatedlydescribed at length herein.

FIGS. 22-31 illustrate a first embodiment of opposed handle attachmentassemblies 400, 402 for securing each arm 406, 408 of a carrying handle404 to an infant travel seat 10. The handle attachment assemblies 400,402 preferably include a hub receiving portion 410, 412 of each arm 406,408 adapted to be secured to opposing side hubs 414, 416 of the shell235 of the seat 10 (see FIG. 1). Only one of the opposed handleattachment assemblies 400, 402 will be described in detail below,however, both of the attachment assemblies 400, 402 are preferablyidentical.

Referring to FIGS. 22-24 and 29-30, the hub receiving portion 412includes an actuating assembly 418 comprising a pivotable member 420, astationary member 422, and a spring-biased locking member 424. The arm408 of the handle 404 defines an aperture 426 proximate to the hubreceiving portion 412 for receiving the pivotable member 420 andstationary member 422. The stationary member has a cover end 428 and aninterior end 430 received within arm 408. The pivotable member 420includes a lever end 432 and a biasing end 434 end. The pivoting member420 is adapted to be pivotally secured to stationary member 422 at pivotpoint 436 (FIG. 23). Pivotable member 420 and stationary member 422 arereceived within aperture 426 such that the cover end 428 of thestationary member 422 is substantially flushed with the exterior surfaceof the arm 408 and lever end 432 of pivotable member extends outwardlythrough aperture 426. Stationary member 422 is secured to arm 408 atsecuring points 438, 440 when received in arm 408. Pivotable member 420is pivotally secured to stationary member 422 and arm 408 at pivot point436 when received in arm 408. As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, edge 442 ofthe stationary member 422 limits the downward rotation of pivotablemember 420 by abutting complimentary edge 444, of pivotable member 420.Similarly, the interior surface 446 of the cover end 428 of stationarymember 222 limits the upward rotation of pivotable member 420 byabutting projection 448.

Pivotable member 420 preferably extends through aperture 426 such thatbiasing end 434 is positioned within the hub receiving portion 412.Spring-biased locking member 424 has a first end 450 for engaging acomplimentary locking mechanism, and a second end 452 positioned withinthe hub receiving portion 412 to abut biasing end 434 of the pivotablemember 420. The second end 452 of the locking member 424 has an angledcam surface 454 that abuts a complimentary angled cam follower surfaceon the biasing end 434 of the pivotable member 420. The second end 452of the locking member 424 also preferably includes a pair of springs 458460 to bias the locking member 424 away from the hub receiving portion412 and toward opposed side hub 416 of the shell 235.

As shown in FIGS. 24, 29 and 30, when a user pushes lever end 432 of thepivotable member 420 downwardly, the biasing end 434 of pivotable member420 rotates upwardly moving the angled cam follower surface 456 alongangled cam surface 454 and forcing the locking member 424 to be pulledtoward the hub receiving portion 412 and away from opposed side hub 416of the shell 235.

Referring to FIGS. 22 and 25-28, opposed side hub 414 has a centralprojection 462 positioned on a central axis CA (FIG. 22) and a pluralityof circumferential projections 464 extending toward the center of thehub 416 and positioned radially to the central projection 462. As shownin FIG. 22, the central projection 462 is used to secure the hubreceiving portion 412 to the side hub 416 of the shell 235 along thecentral axis CA so that the carrying handle 404 can rotate on a radialaxis with respect to the central axis CA. As shown in FIGS. 25-28, thecircumferential projections consist of six diametrically opposed minorprojections 466 and alternated between six diametrically opposed majorprojections 468. However, the number of major and minor projections 466,468 can vary.

The locking member 424 preferably has a central aperture 470 to receivethe central projection 462 of the hub 416. The locking member 424 alsopreferably includes two opposed grooves 472, 474 positioned in an axisperpendicular to the axis of the first and second ends 450, 452 of thelocking member 424. Each of the opposed grooves 472, 474 are configuredto receive and be complimentary to the minor projections 466 of the hub416. When the hub receiving portion 412 is secured to the side hub 416,the opposed grooves 472, 474 of the locking member 424 are secured to apair of diametrically opposed minor projections 466 in an axisperpendicular to the central axis CA of connection between the hubreceiving portion 412 of the carrying handle 404 and the side hub 416 ofthe shell 235.

To adjust the position of the carrying handle 404, the locking member424 can be displaced from the minor projections 466 by pressing leverend 432 to pull the locking member 424 toward the hub receiving portion412 and away from opposed side hub 416 of the shell 235. The pluralityof circumferential projections 464 are of such a height so as to permitthe locking member 424 to rotate radially about the central projection462 when displaced from the minor projections 466 (see FIG. 26). Asshown in FIGS. 25-28, the locking member 424 can be secured to the minorprojections 466 to allow the carrying handle 404 to be adjusted betweenthree positions. The side hub 316 preferably includes two diametricallyopposed abutting projections positioned on the circumference of the hub416 having a sufficient length extending parallel to the central axis CAto abut the locking member 424 when displaced from projections 466 andprevent the locking member 424 from rotating greater than 180 degrees.

FIGS. 36-40 illustrate a second embodiment of opposed handle assemblies500, 502 for securing each arm 406, 408 of a carrying handle 404 to aninfant travel seat 10. The handle attachment assemblies 500, 502 (onlyone being shown) preferably include a hub receiving portion 510, 512(only one being shown) of each arm 406, 408 adapted to be secured toopposing side hubs 514, 516 (only one being shown) of the shell 235 ofthe seat 10 (see FIG. 1). The hub receiving portions 510, 512 aresecured to the opposing side hubs along a central axis CA similar to thefirst embodiment. Only one of the opposed handle attachment assemblies500, 502 will be described in detail below, however, both of theattachment assemblies 500, 502 are preferably identical.

The hub receiving portion 512 includes actuating assembly 516 comprisinga button 518 and a spring biased locking member 520. The button hasfirst and second ends 520, 524. The second end 524 of the button hasopposed sides 526, 528 and is adapted to be received within a slot 530in arm 408 proximate to the hub receiving portion 512. The sides 526,528 of the button 518 define a channel 532. The first end 522 of thebutton 518 extends outwardly through slot 530 of arm 408.

The spring biased locking member 520 preferably comprises a locking end534 and a biasing end 536. The locking end has a locking head 538 thatextends parallel to the central axis CA. The locking end 534 alsoincludes a centrally located ovate aperture 540 extending along thecentral axis CA. When the hub receiving portion 512 is connected to sidehub 516 of the shell 235, a central projection 542 of the hub 516extending along the central axis CA is received into the ovate aperture540 of the locking end 538.

The biasing end 536 of the spring biased locking member 520 ispreferably defines a groove 544 surrounded by two opposed abuttingmembers 546, 548. The groove is adapted to be received within thechannel 532 of sides 526, 528 of the button 518. A spring 529 isconnected to the biasing end 536 to bias the spring biased lockingmember away from button 518.

In addition, side 526 of button 518 has an angled surface 550 that abutsa complimentary angled surface 552 of the abutting member 548, and urgesthe button out of slot 530 in a resting state. When the first end 522 ofthe button 518 is pressed downwardly by a user, angled surface 550 ofbutton 518 slides against a complimentary angled surface 552 of abuttingmember 548 and pulls the locking member 520 in a direction perpendicularto the central axis CA toward button 518.

The side hub 516 has a central projection 542 positioned on the centralaxis CA and a plurality of circumferential projections 554 extendingtoward the center of the hub 516 and positioned radially to the centralprojection. As shown in FIGS. 37-40, the plurality of circumferentialprojections 554 can consist of four diametrically opposed minorprojections 556 and two diametrically opposed major projections 558.However, the number of projections 554 may vary.

The locking head 538 of the locking member 520 is configured to have twoopposed engaging heads 560, 562. Each of the engaging heads 560, 562 isconfigured to fit between two of the plurality of circumferentialprojections 554 in an axis perpendicular to the central axis CA tosecure the handle 404 in a stationary position.

The carrying handle 404 is adapted to be radially adjusted about thecentral axis CA. To adjust the position of the carrying handle 404, theengaging heads 560, 562 of the locking member 520 are displaced fromprojections 554 by pressing the first end 522 of button 518 downward topull the locking member 520 toward button 518 and allowing centralprojection 542 to slide along the ovate aperture 540. The minorprojections 556 have a width extending perpendicular to the central axisCA so as to permit the locking head 538 to rotate radially about theminor projections 556 when displaced from the securement between theprojections 554. As shown in FIGS. 37-40, the locking head 538 can besecured between projections 554 to allow the carrying handle 404 to beadjusted between three positions. The side hub 516 preferably includestwo diametrically opposed major projections 558 having a sufficientwidth extending perpendicular to the central axis CA to abut the lockinghead 538 when displaced from projections 554 and prevent the lockinghead 538 from rotating greater than 180 degrees.

FIGS. 1, 22, and 31 illustrate a ratcheting canopy 580 that can beattached to the infant travel seat 10. The ratcheting canopy preferablycomprises a pair of rings 582, 584 that can be secured to the exteriorsurface of side of hubs 414, 416 of the shell 235. For purposes ofsimplicity, only one ratcheting canopy connection will be describedbelow. The exterior surface of side hub 416 includes a plurality ofcircumferential projections 586 extending radially around the hub 416.The interior surface of ring 584 includes a plurality of circumferentialprojections 588 extending radially around the ring 584 to mate with thecircumferential projections 586 of the hub 416 to form a secureconnection between the ring 584 and the hub 416.

While various methods, configurations, and features of the presentinvention have been described above and shown in the drawings for thevarious embodiments of the present invention, those of ordinary skill inthe art will appreciate from this disclosure that any combination of theabove features can be used without departing from the scope of thepresent invention. Accordingly, it is recognized by those skilled in theart that changes may be made to the above described methods andembodiments of the invention without departing from the broad inventiveconcept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is notlimited to the particular methods and embodiments disclosed, but isintended to cover all modifications which are within the spirit andscope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and/or shown inthe attached drawings.

What is claimed is:
 1. A travel seat locking system comprising: a travelseat comprising a front seating surface, a back surface, left and rightsides, and left and right stroller securing members respectivelypositioned on the left and right sides of the travel seat, the left andright stroller securing members being retractable such that they can bewithdrawn toward an interior of the travel seat; a stroller comprising aframe having at least one front leg, at least one rear leg, a passengerseating area, and a pair of left and right seat securing membersconnected to the frame and having a slot for releasable engagement witha respective one of the left and right stroller securing members of thetravel seat; and at least one of the travel seat or stroller comprisingan actuator to release the engagement between the left and rightstroller securing members of the travel seat and the left and right seatsecuring members of the stroller.
 2. The travel seat locking system ofclaim 1, wherein the left and right stroller securing members are biasedoutwardly from the left and right sides of the travel seat.
 3. Thetravel seat locking system of claim 1, wherein the left and right seatsecuring members are adjacent the passenger seating area.
 4. The travelseat locking system of claim 1, wherein the stroller further comprises achild tray, and at least a portion of the travel seat rests on the childtray when the left and right stroller securing members of the travelseat are engaged with the left and right seat securing members of thestroller.
 5. The travel seat locking system of claim 4, wherein the backsurface of the travel seat further comprises a lip that rests on thechild tray.
 6. The travel seat locking system of claim 1, wherein theactuator is positioned on the exterior back surface of the travel seat.7. The travel seat locking system of claim 6, wherein the travel seathas a head end and a foot end, and the actuator is positioned at thehead end of the travel seat.
 8. A travel seat locking system comprising:a travel seat comprising a front seating surface, a back surface, leftand right sides, and left and right stroller securing membersrespectively positioned on the left and right sides of the travel seat;a stroller comprising a frame having at least one front leg, at leastone rear leg, a passenger seating area, and a pair of left and rightseat securing members connected to the frame and having a slot forreleasable engagement with a respective one of the left and rightstroller securing members of the travel seat; and at least one of thetravel seat or stroller comprising an actuator to release the engagementbetween the left and right stroller securing members of the travel seatand the left and right seat securing members of the stroller; thestroller further comprising a child tray, and the left and rightstroller securing members of the travel seat are positioned apart fromthe child tray.
 9. A travel system comprising: a travel seat comprisinga seating surface and an exterior surface having a pair of strollersecuring members comprising retractable securing projections; a strollercomprising a frame having at least one front leg, at least one rear leg,a passenger seating area, and a pair of seat securing members connectedto the frame and having a slot for releasable engagement with arespective one of the stroller securing members of the travel seat; andat least one of the travel seat or stroller comprising an actuator torelease the engagement between the stroller securing members of thetravel seat and the seat securing members of the stroller.
 10. Thetravel system of claim 9, wherein the retractable securing projectionsare biased outwardly from a left and right side of the exterior surfaceof the travel seat.
 11. The travel system of claim 9 wherein thestroller further comprises a child tray, and the left and right strollersecuring members of the travel seat are positioned apart from the childtray.
 12. The travel system of claim 9, wherein the seat securingmembers are positioned on a left and right side of the frame adjacentthe passenger seating area.
 13. The travel system of claim 9, whereinthe travel seat has a head end and a foot end, and the actuator ispositioned at the head end of the travel seat.